Technology & Design

Technology & Design

The subject aims to;

develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world;

build a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users;  Safe practice in the use of tools, equipment and machinery.

developing a critical awareness of the social and environmental impacts of design and technological activities.

 

GCSE Technology & Design, Product Design

Technology and Design is principally concerned with design and problem solving. The subject focuses on Product Design, including core mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems. Design and manufacturing skills are developed to include the use of CAD and computer controlled machines to create prototypes.

 

What will I study and how will I be assessed?

Unit 1
Technology and Design Core Content
External Examination
25%

Unit 2

Optional Areas of Study
External Examination
25%

Unit 3

Design and Manufacturing Project Students complete a design project comprising a 10 page design portfolio and an associated manufacturing task.
Controlled Assessment
50%
 

A Level Technology & Design, Product Design

The A level course is a direct progression from the GCSE course. The specification encourages students to recognise and overcome challenges and constraints when working towards making high quality products. At AS level, the project focuses on the redesign of a commercial product and strongly encourages the use of CAD (Solidworks) and prototype manufacture using our modern CNC and 3D printing facilities. The exam develops knowledge of materials and commercial manufacturing processes. At A2 level, the project strongly encourages innovative design and high level manufacturing skills, again making use of CAD and CNC manufacturing technology.

Unit 1: AS1
Product Design
External Examination
50% of AS Level

20% of A Level

Unit 2: AS2 Coursework
Product Development: Practical outcome with design folder
Internally assessed and externally moderated
50% of AS Level

20% of A Level

A2 Content

Unit 1: A2 1
Product Design
External Examination
30% of A Level

Unit 2: A2 2 Coursework
Product Design and Manufacture: Practical

outcome with design folder.
Internally assessed and externally moderated
30% of A Level
 

 

BTEC First, Engineering

This is a Level 2 BTEC, equivalent to one GCSE. It is a more vocational course than Technology & Design, designed to be directly relevant to a career in Engineering.

 
Year 11 Unit 1
The Engineered World
1 hour on-screen test
 
Unit 5

Engineering Materials
Series of assignments
 
Year 12 Unit 2

Investigating an Engineered Product


Series of assignments
 
Unit 6

Computer Aided Engineering


Series of assignments
 
 

BTEC Level 3, Extended Certificate in Engineering

This is a Level 3 BTEC, equivalent to one A level. It is a more vocational course than Technology & Design, designed to be directly relevant to a career in Engineering. Half the course is taken at Foyle College and half at North West Regional College.

 
Year 13 Unit 1  (Foyle College)
Engineering Principles
External examination
 
Unit 2  (NWRC)

Delivering Engineering Processes Safely as a Team
Series of assignments
 
Year 14 Unit 3 (NWRC)

Engineering Product Design and Manufacture


External Examination
 
Unit 10 (Foyle College)

Computer Aided Design in Engineering (AutoCAD and Solidworks)


Series of assignments
 
 

Extra Curricular

The Technology and Design department offers pupils the chance to enter design competitions hosted by outside agencies such as Sentinus and Merchant Taylors. Several of our pupils have had success competing for the prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarships.  

 

Where to next?

A qualification in Technology & Design will help equip the student to a career or higher level course in the areas of Product Design or Engineering. The subject is also highly regarded in other areas as one which develops practical problem solving, innovation and the ability to cope with the rapidly changing, modern world.

A qualification in BTEC Engineering can lead to higher level study and career in Mechanical Engineering.